Glossary of Woodworking Terminology (R-T)
An extensive glossary of woodworking terminology encompassing woodworking tools, types of wood and terms used in our free woodworking plans.
Rabbet
A groove cut into the side of a board that is against one edge. Differs from a dado based on it's location in the board.
A groove cut into the side of a board that is against one edge. Differs from a dado based on it's location in the board.
Random Orbital Sanders
A versatile power sander whose motion is random, so that sanding marks on the finish are reduced.
A versatile power sander whose motion is random, so that sanding marks on the finish are reduced.
Router
A rotary power tool used for shaping the edges or creating grooves in stock.
A rotary power tool used for shaping the edges or creating grooves in stock.
S1S
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S1S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S1S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
S2S
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S2S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S2S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
S4S
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S4S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
Hardwoods and fine stock can be purchased as either S1S, S2S or S4S. Learn the definition of the S4S in this About Woodworking Glossary entry.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses have sturdy frames, impact resistant lenses and side guards. Every woodworker should wear safety glasses for every task in the workshop.
Safety glasses have sturdy frames, impact resistant lenses and side guards. Every woodworker should wear safety glasses for every task in the workshop.
Sanding Block
A Sanding Block is used for hand sanding. Simply wrap a 1/4 sheet of sandpaper around the block and sand with the grain.
A Sanding Block is used for hand sanding. Simply wrap a 1/4 sheet of sandpaper around the block and sand with the grain.
Sandpaper
Abrasive paper used for smoothing and shaping wood. Comes in a variety of types and abrasive levels, called grits.
Abrasive paper used for smoothing and shaping wood. Comes in a variety of types and abrasive levels, called grits.
Sawhorse
Device used for holding stock off of the floor. Often also used as the base for a table top or planks used as a scaffold.
Device used for holding stock off of the floor. Often also used as the base for a table top or planks used as a scaffold.
Sapwood
The outer portion of a tree's trunk, where the sap tends to flow throughout the tree.
The outer portion of a tree's trunk, where the sap tends to flow throughout the tree.
Screwdrivers
Hand tool used for driving screws. Comes in various sizes and styles, such as flathead, Phillips, square head and Torx.
Hand tool used for driving screws. Comes in various sizes and styles, such as flathead, Phillips, square head and Torx.
Screws
Wood screws are mechanical fasteners that are used to connect two pieces of wood or affix an object to the wood. They hold well, are easy to use and readily available.
Wood screws are mechanical fasteners that are used to connect two pieces of wood or affix an object to the wood. They hold well, are easy to use and readily available.
Sliding Bevel
A sliding bevel is used for duplicating unusual angles.
A sliding bevel is used for duplicating unusual angles.
Softwood
Stock harvested from coniferous trees. A very common type of material readily available at home centers, and used regularly in home construction.
Stock harvested from coniferous trees. A very common type of material readily available at home centers, and used regularly in home construction.
SPF
Acronym that stands for spruce, pine & fir, the three most common types of softwoods.
Acronym that stands for spruce, pine & fir, the three most common types of softwoods.
Stationary Base Router
A power tool that cuts shapes on edges, but has a fixed depth that cannot be adjusted while cutting.
A power tool that cuts shapes on edges, but has a fixed depth that cannot be adjusted while cutting.
Stock
Another term for the pieces of wood used in a woodworking project.
Another term for the pieces of wood used in a woodworking project.
T-Bevel
A T-bevel, also known as a sliding bevel, is used for duplicating unusual angles.
A T-bevel, also known as a sliding bevel, is used for duplicating unusual angles.
Table Saw
This most versatile machine in the wood shop can be used for ripping, cutting dadoes, tenons, rabbets, miters and much more.
This most versatile machine in the wood shop can be used for ripping, cutting dadoes, tenons, rabbets, miters and much more.
Tape Measure
Device used for measuring lengths of stock, in both standard (imperial) and metric. Typically available in 16, 25 and 30-foot lengths.
Device used for measuring lengths of stock, in both standard (imperial) and metric. Typically available in 16, 25 and 30-foot lengths.
Tenon
A type of pin, fashioned out of the end of a piece of stock, that is designed to fit securely into a mortise, cut from another piece of stock. This method is commonly referred to as Mortise & Tenon joinery.
A type of pin, fashioned out of the end of a piece of stock, that is designed to fit securely into a mortise, cut from another piece of stock. This method is commonly referred to as Mortise & Tenon joinery.